As confirmed by the included factory letter, this revolver was part of a shipment of 1,000 units (800 blue finish and 200 nickel finish), was shipped with an 8 inch barrel, blue finish and smooth walnut grips on March 16, 1871, and delivered to U.S. National Armory, Springfield, MA. This rare and desirable U.S. martial revolver is also listed by its serial number in the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas as a Model 3 that was purchased by the U.S. government. Compounding the significance of this revolver is the rarely observed oil hole (located on the rear of the extractor housing on the bottom of the barrel lug) as found on the first 1,500 or so of this model. The rib has the one-line S&W address/patent dates information and "US." It has the correct U.S. sub-inspection and proof marks: "A" on the left side of the frame and barrel strap, and "P" on the right frame and barrel lug, and in one cylinder flute as was standard procedure. Period initials "WLP" are carved on the bottom of left grip panel. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel latch and barrel. Surviving examples of U.S. martial Model 3 Americans are scarce and highly desirable in any condition, and this example would rate in the top 10%.